Jean Medlin laid to rest

U.S. Army Sgt. Jean Paul Medlin never lived long enough to marry or have children. The 27-year old died while serving his country in Iraq. Friends say he was drawn to military service.

Medlin joined the Marines after graduating from Hewitt Trussville High School in 1998. He left the Marines after four years to pursue an education. "When the Iraqi war started out, he felt very compelled to go out there and fight on the front lines," said Medlin's best friend Tommy Tyler. So, Medlin enlisted in the Army. He was called to Iraq in October of 2006. On May 19th, Sgt. Medlin and five fellow soldiers were killed by an explosion while riding in a tank in Baghdad.

Friday his friends and family gathered at Ridout's Funeral Home in Trussville to say goodbye. His former positions coach recalled what a great leader Medlin was on and off the football field. "He led a lot by example. When we were running sprints, he was always the first guy out there, he led everybody in sprints and when people were tired and wanted to give up, Paul just said hey let's keep going," said John Scozzaro.

Sgt. Medlin's friends say he left a long lasting impression and he'll never be forgotten.

From WIAT 42

Related Link:
Jean P. Medlin dies of 'wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle'